Hodges#4557
Asterocampa celtis
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Papilionoidea
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Subfamily: Apaturinae
- Tribe: Apaturini
- Genus: Asterocampa
- Species: celtis
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Asterocampa celtis: //ˌæstɪroʊˈkæmpə ˈsɛltɪs//
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Images
Summary
Asterocampa celtis, the hackberry emperor, is a North American butterfly known for its quick behavior and preference for hackberry trees as a host for its larvae. It exhibits unique feeding habits and reproduction strategies, and it is often found near water sources without significantly pollinating flowers.
Physical Characteristics
Wingspan 3.5-6.3 cm, brown wings with distinctive spots on hindwings and front wings. Males have darker bodies and more slender wings than females. White spots near the front of the wing help distinguish it from similar species.
Identification Tips
On the front wing, there are one to three rounded eye spots near the outer margin. The dark bar crossing the middle of the discal cell is divided into two slightly offset spots, which helps distinguish it from other Asterocampa species.
Habitat
Deciduous woodlands, cities, forests, and wooded areas, especially near rivers or other bodies of water. It is not deterred by human development.
Distribution
From southeastern California to western North Dakota, eastward to the Atlantic and south into northern Mexico. Recorded in southern Ontario and Quebec, with possible occurrences in southern Manitoba.
Diet
Caterpillars feed on the leaves and leaf buds of hackberry trees. Adults primarily feed on hackberry sap, decaying organic matter, and are observed drinking sweat from humans.
Life Cycle
Life cycle includes egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Pupae are found on the underside of hackberry leaves and metamorphose into adults in early summer.
Reproduction
Oviposition occurs in clusters of 5-20 eggs on the underside of hackberry leaves, enhancing fecundity and reducing maternal risk.
Predators
Generalist species including birds and mammals (e.g., bears, raccoons) prey on larvae. Stink bugs are common predators of eggs.
Conservation Status
Not under serious threat; commonly found throughout its distribution.
Ecosystem Role
As both a larva and adult, it interacts with hackberry trees and other ecological components, but does not significantly contribute to pollination.
Evolution
The exact evolutionary cause for egg laying in clusters and feeding behaviors is debated, but is believed to be associated with strategies to increase offspring production and avoid predation.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Commonly mistaken for other butterfly species, especially due to subtle variations in markings and habitats.
Tags
- butterfly
- Asterocampa celtis
- Nymphalidae
- hackberry emperor
- ecology
- life cycle